After an emotional pregame ceremony that included the Celtics getting their Championship rings, and with Banner 17 being raised to the rafters, the Celtics were a little spent in the first half of the actual game against the Cavs. They refocused at halftime, and Paul Pierce led the way with 27 points as the Celtics came back and beat Cleveland 90-85.

Mike Fine has the Celtics taking their time, but finally finding their game and beating the Cavs. Frank Dell’Apa has the details from the Garden. Jeff Howe has the Celtics opening the defense of their title with a win. Paul Doyle has Pierce and the Celtics picking up where they left off. Mark Murphy has Pierce able to put his game face back on with remarkable ease. Robert Lee has the C’s handling their business last night. Scott Souza has the Celtics taking a slugfest from the Cavs. Bill Doyle has the Celtics dropping the Cavs after raising banner 17.

Bob Ryan wasn’t impressed with Pierce’s “rambling, embarrassing, self-indulgent speech” to the crowd before the game, but says that since the Captain scored 27 points and the team won, he will be forgiven. Thanks Bob. Paul owes you one. Bill Burt says that this night was all about Paul Pierce. Jessica Camerato has Donnie Wahlberg bringing out another side of Pierce. Lenny Megliola has more on the emotional night for Pierce. Paul Flannery says that the tears said it all for Pierce.

Steve Bulpett has the Celtics getting their title defense off to a slow start last night before turning it on. Tim Weisberg says last night was a celebration worthy of the Celtics. Daniel Barbarisi has the fans getting a big rise out the ceremonies last night.

Marc J. Spears says that the Celtics might miss P.J. Brown more than James Posey, and still might try to do all they can to bring the big man out of retirement for another midseason run. Camerato has another big man, David Robinson in the house to support his ex-teammate Doc Rivers. She also talks to Scot Pollard about his ring and his NBA future.

Ryan also gives a history lesson this morning, saying that these Celtics are good enough to win another title, and need to win another title to preserve their place in Celtics and NBA lore. Howe says that last season is now in the rearview mirror for the Celtics. Flannery explains What It All Means for Boston and the Celtics.

Bruins

Tim Thomas and the Bruins recorded their second straight 1-0 win on their road trip last night with a win in Vancouver. Stephen Harris and Kevin Paul Dupont have the details on Thomas’ back to back shutouts for the Bruins.

Patriots

On Patriots Daily, guest poster Kevin Henkin says that the Patriots need to steal Condoleeza Rice away before the 49ers can get her.

Mike Reiss and Shalise Manza Young report on Vince Wilfork being called to the commissioner’s office to answer for a hit on Denver’s Jay Cutler. The incident could result in a one-game suspension for Wilfork. John Tomase says that the Patriots are still wary of the struggling Colts. Sarah Green says that Patriots/Colts has lost a little something. Christopher Price has Bill Belichick talking about Matt Cassel’s improvement.

Kerry J. Byrne says that the Patriots are second-to-none in big games.

Reiss’ notebook has Sammy Morris saying that his injury is not season ending. Tomase’s notebook has more on Wilfork’s meeting with the commish.

WEEI.com and FoxSports.com’s Jeff Goodman is reporting that Danny Ainge, who received a promotion to President of Basketball Operations Tuesday, has been given a contract extension which will lengthen his deal until the conclusion of the 2011-12 season. It adds three years to a contract which would have expired after this season. — Rob Bradford (Oct. 28, 9:28 a.m.)